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THE ROARING 20s – THE FABULOUS FIFTIES

These Decades below represent some of the most exciting times in the development of music and dance in America. We adore these eras and specialize in the dances and fashions of those times. Below is a short description of each decade with representational photos of our team members.

The 1920s

During the Roaring 20s a new type of music called jazz was developing bringing on crazy dance moves. New dances evolved in the Roaring Twenties including the Charleston, the Black Bottom, the Shimmy, Turkey trot, Cake walk, Bunny hop, the Lindy Hop and the American Tango. The old dances such as the waltz and the foxtrot were also popular and Burlesque acts could be found in the speakeasies of the times. In addition a new phenomenon known as Marathon dances also swept the country.

In terms of Fashion, The Flappers were all the rage. The wardrobe was stunning with glittering Silver and Gold fringed Dresses for the ladies, Black tails for the Fellas often accented with Bow Ties & Bowler Hats. The art movements in the 1920’s were Surrealism and Impressionism. Art Deco was also the style of the 1920’s. Art Deco used strong colors and geometric shapes to convey the “modern” look using sleek, streamlined forms to convey elegance and sophistication.

In the 1930s, big bands and swing music were popular, with Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller popular bandleaders. The 1930s Dances were flashy and crazy and The Lindy Hop reigned supreme. Air steps and aerials were becoming the thing to do and dance contests were the places to be to witness these wild tests of skill, strength, creativity. The top dance couples would often become known for their particular move and trick and to win, you would certainly need to have one of the best air steps in the land. The wardrobe was evolving into even more flashy and colorful shapes as Jumpers and Zoot Suits were coming into fashion. See samples of the Lindy Hop Routines here. http://lindyhopallstars.com/category/video/lindy-hop/

The 1940s

The most popular music style during the 1940s was swing, which prevailed during World War II. In the later periods of the 1940s, crooners like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan were becoming stars on their own. Genres such as bebop and the earliest traces of rock and roll, were emerging. The Big bands started to break up, and band singers went out on their own. War songs became popular. 1940s Dances were now encompassing everything from The Lindy Hop to The Fox Trot.

Fashion in the 1940s was a good mix of comfort and glamour. There were specific outfits that were meant for specific times of the day. Some of their designs look downright modern often incorporating the current architectural trends like Art Deco. See samples of the Lindy Hop Routines, samples of the Collegiate Shag, and samples of Balboa here.

Our routines, which are inspired by the masters of the swing era, are marvelously nostalgic and feature high flying aerials and dynamic partnering. Their high energy shows can range from one short number to a complete one hour production

The 1950s

Music in the early 1950s has a heavy focus on crooners but by the mid-1950s Roots Rock n Roll was appearing.

Elvis Presley completely dominated the late fifties. Guys like Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Chubby Checker all ushered in a brand new sound people called “rock n’ roll.” The wardrobe of the times included Collegiate Letter Sweaters, Poodle skirts, California Cut Jackets, Wide Leg pants, Jeans and Wide Lapels.

1950s Dances compliments the sounds of Rock n’ Roll and the Lindy Hop evolved to a more slotted and slick dance. West Coast Swing, Hollywood style Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie fit the mold and took the world by storm. See samples of the Lindy Hop Routines, samples of the Collegiate Shag, and samples of Balboa here.

The 1960s

The 1960s – The 1960s brought us the free spirits and the Dance Craze decade. That’s when people began to braking away from the traditions of partner dancing and began dancing individually in lines. During this decade, a new line dance was created almost on a weekly basis. There was The Pony, The Twist, The Mashed Potato, The Hucklebuck, The Hully Gully, The Lolo-Motion, The Madison Time, The Swim, The Watusi, The Hitchhiker, and a whole bunch more. We can recreate all of these but we especially love to showcase a line dance that was choreographed by our founder and inspired by many of the 1950s & 60s dance crazes.
It’s danced to The Majestic by Dion.
And here are Paolo & Jennifer demonstrating the original steps of the The Madison Time Ray Bryant version with calls by Eddie Morrison.
For the others, check out this fantastic Youtube collection Here

If you’re looking for an event or wedding photography, reach out to MackenzieLanePhotography and let her know we recommended her! At one of our recent shows, we were photographed by this true master in the field!